Paul Ohanian: How did you get to North Carolina, and what was it like launching the program there?
Jenny Levy: So, I was at Georgetown. We were in field hockey season in the fall of 1994. And there had been a rumor that Carolina was going to have a varsity women’s lacrosse program. So, I was one of many that put my hat in the ring. I think I was one of four interviewed. I was definitely the underdog for the job. I was the only one that did not have head coaching experience at the time, and I’d never been to Chapel Hill. I came down and interviewed and was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to be the head coach by John Swofford, who was the AD at the time. And a month later, I moved down into Chapel Hill and actually lived in James Taylor’s old house, so my very first introduction to Chapel Hill was in the house that James Taylor grew up in, which was kind of a fun fact. And right around the corner from Dean Smith. But yeah, that was that. Didn’t feel like too long ago, but it was definitely 20 years ago now. And the rest has been a lot of hard work but a labor of love, for sure.
Paul Ohanian: What has lacrosse meant to your life as a whole?
Jenny Levy: I can’t imagine my life without lacrosse. My earliest memories that I have is with lacrosse. My friendships that I’ve had have been through lacrosse. My friends told me I’m really competitive, which I knew I was competitive. But I think I’m probably on the one end of the continuum of competitiveness. The personal growth, the collective growth of a team, the challenges that have been brought, whether it’s on field or off field, through injury, I’ve had a lot of people, fortunately, that just enjoying all the special moments, and it keeps the game of lacrosse simple. And so, it really grounds you in simplicity, but yet a lot of beauty, too. And all these little things that are wrapped up into the game of lacrosse and moments that you can learn from, that you grow from, and that just make your heart bigger. I just, I can’t imagine living life without lacrosse. It’s a big part of what I do. It’s a big part of my family. My husband played lacrosse, my kids play lacrosse. It’s an amazing game. And to see different groups take care of each other. More importantly, off the field, through good times and tough times. That resonates with me the most. When I see a team help a teammate go through a personal struggle, but it might be well after they’ve hung up the stick. And that, to me, is the most moving and rewarding thing that really touches me at the core.